The decision to complete the work this weekend follows traffic chaos over the August bank holiday weekend. Last Saturday (August 27), a footbridge made contact with a digger being transported on the back of a lorry. The collision caused the bridge to collapse, leading to significant tailbacks.

Although the removal of the collapsed section of the bridge meant the motorway was able to reopen later in the weekend, the rest of the structure still needs to be taken away. Around 100 people are expected to take part in this work in the coming few days.

In order to help drivers navigate the road closures, HE said clearly-signed diversions will be set up.

Commenting on the project, HE’s chief highway engineer, Catherine Brookes, said safety is the number one priority for her organisation.

She added: “We worked hard last weekend to reopen the M20 as soon as it was safe to do so and I would like to thank drivers for their patience while we did this. The remaining section of the bridge has been assessed and is safe for traffic to pass underneath with a temporary 50mph speed limit.

“We naturally need to remove it under safe, controlled conditions this weekend.”

Ms Brookes said that along with the bridge removal, other work taking place in the coming days will include barrier repairs, resurfacing and litter-picking.

In terms of replacing the collapsed bridge, she said work on this will start “in due course”.